Fourth prophecy against Egypt spoken three months before the capture of Jerusalem Ezekiel 26:1, and three months after the prophecy of Ezekiel 29:1. Meantime, Pharaoh-Hophra‘s attempt on Jerusalem had been foiled, and the Egyptians driven back into their own country (Jeremiah 37:5 note).
Ezekiel 30:21
I have broken - Especially by the defeat at Carchemish.
A roller - Or, a bandage.
Ezekiel 30:22
The strong - Such power as Egypt yet retained at home and abroad.
That which was broken - The power which Egypt aimed at ineffectually, the conquest of Palestine and Syria.
The hopes that had sprung up in the hearts of princes and people when the armies of Nebuchadnezzar turned south to meet the Egyptians, were soon dashed to the ground. The word of the Lord had been, “Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt.” The might of Egypt was but a broken reed. “All the inhabitants of Egypt,” Inspiration had declared, “shall know that I am the Lord, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel.” “I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and the arms of Pharaoh shall fall down; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall put My sword into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall stretch it out upon the land of Egypt.” Ezekiel 29:3, 6; 30:25. PK 454.1
While the princes of Judah were still vainly looking toward Egypt for help, King Zedekiah with anxious foreboding was thinking of the prophet of God that had been thrust into prison. After many days the king sent for him and asked him secretly, “Is there any word from the Lord?” Jeremiah answered, “There is: for, said He, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon. PK 454.2
“Moreover Jeremiah said unto King Zedekiah, What have I offended against thee, or against thy servants, or against this people, that ye have put me in prison? Where are now your prophets which prophesied unto you, saying, The king of Babylon shall not come against you, nor against this land? Therefore hear now, I pray thee, O my lord the king: let my supplication, I pray thee, be accepted before thee; that thou cause me not to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there.” Jeremiah 37:17-20. PK 454.3
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